Cat Exam Information

Cats need annual exams.

Veterinarians recommend that cats have a physical exam annually. Each exam gives the veterinarian baseline information about the cat's general health by which to gauge any future changes. For a cat experiencing health difficulties, such as cancer, physical exams twice a year are recommended. As with humans, a yearly exam for your cat can give peace of mind that potential health issues are caught early enough to be treated.

Cost

A cat's physical can be expensive.

The cost of a feline wellness exam varies depending on what area of the country one lives and the level of service included. Toward the top end of the scale, the Vet Pets Animal Hospital and Pet Store in Cordova, Tennessee, offers the Feline Golden Years Annual Wellness Plan for $369. This includes a physical exam, fecal exam, heartworm test, blood count, serum chemistry with electrolytes, thyroid check, urinalysis, electrocardiogram, a glaucoma screen, nail trim, ear cleaning and a variety of discounts on other services and products. As an example of options that might be available to low-income cat owners in your area, the Spartanburg Humane Society in Spartanburg, South Carolina, offers health exams, vaccinations, heartworm testing and other limited minor health care services for a $10 office visit. According to several commercial websites, most veterinary clinics in 2010 charge $100 to $125 for a cat's annual visit that includes the physical and fecal exam, heartworm testing and vaccination updates.

Health History

Questions about the cat's health are asked during an examination.

At the cat's first physical exam, the veterinarian asks a variety of questions to determine the animal's health history. If you are taking your cat for subsequent annual physical exams, the veterinarian most likely will ask questions detailing the past year's events. Some of the questions may seem highly routine and even repetitive. However, they are gauged at giving the veterinarian the clearest picture of the cat's overall health.

Observation

A cat's movements are observed.

The next step for a cat's physical exam involves the veterinarian observing the cat. He watches to see the cat's overall demeanor. The veterinarian looks for appropriate posture, gait and general appearance. Although cats are generally skittish in strange environments, the veterinarian is also watching to see how quickly the animal adapts to its new surroundings.

Measurements

Cats generally don't like having their vital signs checked.

As with humans, a cat undergoing a physical exam will have its weight, body temperature and pulse and respiratory rates documented. The cat's length versus height may be recorded. Make sure your veterinarian uses a scale with indicators as low as ounces as a cat's weight may not fluctuate just by pounds. Most veterinarians will also test the cat's hydration level as cats are easily dehydrated.

Body Check

Eyes, nose and mouth are included in a cat's health exam.

Next up the veterinarian conducts a complete examination of the cat's body. She checks the cat's skin and hair for signs of parasites or changes in skin color. He will feel the cat's salivary and thyroid glands and lymph nodes to check for swelling. By slowly waving an object in front of the cat, the veterinarian can verify that the cat is able to visually follow. The eye pupil is checked for its response to light, and the general condition of the eye is documented by using an ophthalmoscope to view into the eye. The nose, ears and mouth are checked for any discharge. Limbs are moved to test flexibility, and the veterinarian will use a stethoscope to listen to heart and lungs.

Vaccinations

Veterinarians are trained to give cats vaccinations.

The veterinarian reviews the cat's vaccination record and will make recommendations based on the cat's history. It is recommended to keep the cat current on all vaccinations, especially if the cat in question comes into contact with other felines on a regular basis.

Fecal Examination

It's indignant but providing a fecal sample is part of an exam.

During the body check, the veterinarian also examines the cat's rectal and genital areas. Most of the time, the veterinarian is able to obtain a fecal sample for further evaluation. Fecal testing is done to determine whether gastrointestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, Giardia or coccidia are present.

References

• Long Island Cat Fanciers Inc.: The Importance of an Annual Physical Examination in Cats
• Maryland SPCA: Vaccinations/Exams/Insurance
• WSU College of Veterinary Medicine: Handling, Restraint and Physical Examination of Dogs and Cats
• Spartanburg Humane Society: Veterinary Services for Low-Income Pet Owners
• Vet Pets Animal Hospital and Pet Store: Feline Golden Years Annual Wellness Plan

Resources

• ASPCA: Your Cat's Vet Records
• OES: Average Vet Costs--National